Inauguration-bound and got $50,000? Stay with Lorin Maazel

Lorin Maazel and Dietlinde Turban-Maazel have opened their Castleton, Va., estate to people attending the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama to the tune of $50,000 per night. Lest you think they are being greedy, all of the proceeds will go to their non-profit organization, Châteauville Foundation and his Castleton Festival, which he created this year. Maazel is not only a top conductor, he is clearly a crafty businessman, too. He probably would have made for an excellent CEO. I give him credit for trying to use the situation to benefit his foundation and students. 

There are several houses on the estate that can accommodate around 50 people, and a heated indoor pool, a sauna, petting zoo, horseback riding and even a private concert (the Amstel Quartet, not Maazel, but who knows, maybe he will pick up the violin) and more are included in the package. Obama gives it the thumbs up.

If you happen to have that kind of dough sitting around, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The rest of us can throw in a Maazel-Pittsburgh Symphony disc while watching the inauguration.